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We aimed to evaluate the effect of the intravenous (IV) administration of blood cell secretome (BCS) compared to its intra-articular (IA) administration. In this cross-over study, ten dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were initially assigned to an IA group (IAG). After a 180-day follow-up, the same 10 animals were assigned to an IV group (IVG). IAG received a single IA administration of 3 ml of BCS per hip joint, and IVG received a single 6 ml IV administration of BCS. Following each treatment, follow-up was conducted on days 0, 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180. In each follow-up, copies of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score - PIS and Pain Severity Score - PSS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI, divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) were obtained. Results were analyzed with the Mann-Whitney test, and Kaplan-Meier estimators were calculated and compared, p < 0.05. The animals had a mean age of 7.6 ± 2.9 years and bodyweight of 27.8 ± 3.6 kg. Seven hips were classified as moderate osteoarthritis, and three as severe. No differences were found between groups from days 0 to +60d, with both groups showing clinically significant improvements. Improvements in the IAG lasted up to +120d. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed that dogs in IAG took longer to record the considered events. IVG also showed positive clinically significant results with different instruments. IV administration of BCS can improve the overall condition of dogs with hip OA, but the IA administration produces longer-lasting results., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Differences between serum C-reactive protein (SCRP) and synovial fluid C-reactive protein (SFCRP) concentrations in healthy animals may be influenced by the sex of the individual and associated with various factors. The objective of this study was to evaluate the disparities in SCRP and SFCRP concentrations between females and males, as well as within each sex. Sixty healthy dogs (N = 60), comprising both sexes, were enrolled in the study. Peripheral blood and knee synovial fluid samples were collected for SCRP and SFCRP analysis, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein (SCRP) and SFCRP concentrations were measured, with mean of 9.61 ± 4.96 mg/L for SCRP and 1.28 ± 3.05 mg/L for SFCRP. Notably, SFCRP concentrations were consistently lower than SCRP concentrations in both sexes. Statistically significant differences were observed between sexes for both SCRP (P = 0.021) and SFCRP (P = 0.007). Further analysis within females revealed statistically significant differences between SCRP and SFCRP concentrations (P = 0.002), whereas in males, such differences were not significant (P = 0.175). Additionally, weak correlations were found between SCRP and SFCRP concentrations for both sexes (females r = 0.07; males r = 0.29). Joint capsule thickness was assessed using ultrasonography, revealing thicker joint capsules in males. A robust positive association was noted between joint capsule thickness and the SFCRP concentration in both sexes. These findings offer valuable insights into the dynamics of CRP in the context of joint health in male and female patients, elucidating the underlying pathological mechanisms of joint disease and inflammation. Overall, this underscores the importance of considering sex-specific factors in the assessment and management of joint health, as well as in the design and interpretation of studies involving SFCRP concentrations., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

We aimed to compare surgical time, bleeding level, patient pain level, healing period, scar tissue, relapse of the initial process and complications in patients with nasopharyngeal oncological masses undergoing surgery using a scalpel blade versus a CO 2 surgical laser. This is a clinical prospective study comprising surgical work in the nasopharynx area. A sample of 12 inpatients dogs (N = 12) of both genders underwent a surgical excision of nasopharyngeal masses with a scalpel blade (GS n = 6) and CO 2 surgical laser (GL n = 6). An Aesculigth CO 2 surgical laser-Vetscalpel ® model with a superpulse mode, 12 W of power, and a multi-focus pen was used. Statistically significant differences were registered for a p -value of < 0.05. Variations were noted between both groups (GS and GL) concerning surgery time ( p = 0.038), first meal time ( p = 0.013), pain level ( p = 0.003), and healing time ( p = 0.014), with the GL group presenting lower values. GL exhibited only one relapse case, with the elapsed time being more than double that of the GS group. Surgical and healing times were shorter in the GL group, and pain levels were lower, with the GL group also demonstrating less scar tissue than the GS group, along with a lower relapse rate. Nasopharynx surgical exposure with precision via the soft palate using the CO 2 laser has facilitated successful treatment of regional masses without discomfort and complications, compared to conventional blade scalpel procedures.

Atresia Ani (AA) is a rare congenital anomaly in companion animals affecting rectal and anal development. Its incidence in cats remains unreported. This retrospective study aimed to characterize age, body condition, fistula size, and perioperative outcomes in Type IV Atresia Ani (with recto-vaginal fistula) in female cats. Surgical intervention is the primary treatment. Conducted over 2 years, the study included nine female cats diagnosed with Type IV Atresia Ani and recto-vaginal fistula undergoing surgery. Statistical analysis used the R program (version 4.2.1) with Rstudio ®® extension. Significant results were observed at a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05. The condition had an incidence of 4.7% among the 192 cats evaluated over a 2-year period. The findings suggest that a body condition score of 3, an age of 3 to 4 weeks, and a fistula length of 1 to 2 mm correlated with better surgical outcomes, reducing the likelihood of fecal incontinence and anal stenosis development, and enhancing defecation awareness during the perioperative period. This study is the first to report the disease incidence in cats undergoing surgery, according to the authors' knowledge.

Stanozolol shows promise as an anabolic and anti-catabolic agent for treating degenerative joint disease (DJD). This study assessed the clinical efficacy of a single intra-articular stanozolol injection in canine knees with DJD and its correlation with serum IL-1β levels. Thirty dogs (n = 30) were divided into a control group (CG, n = 10) and a study group (SG, n = 20) with DJD. Pain levels were assessed using the Brown query, and radiographs were taken at T0 and T3. IL-1β levels were quantified via ELISA. Apart from 2 patients, all showed reduced pain intensity, with 15 patients showing improvement at T1 and 3 patients at T2. A positive correlation (r = 0.84; p < 0.01) was found between pain level and IL-1β in 15 patients. No systemic effects were observed. Most patients (18/20) experienced reduced pain. This pilot study suggests stanozolol's potential in managing DJD in dogs. Further research is warranted to validate these findings and understand stanozolol's mechanism in DJD treatment.

Wound healing is a complex biological process involving a coordinated sequence of events aimed at restoring tissue integrity and function. Recent advancements in wound care have introduced novel therapies, with topical insulin application emerging as a promising strategy for promoting tissue healing. This study, involving 60 female cats ( n = 60) undergoing elective spaying, aimed to evaluate the effects of topical fast-acting insulin on the healing process of surgical wounds. Each surgical suture was divided into two regions: the control zone (Zcr) without insulin application and the study zone (Zst), where insulin was applied topically for 10 min every 24 h over eight consecutive days. Assessment of suture healing was conducted using an adapted scale at two time points post-surgery: T1 (day 2) and T2 (day 8). Statistically significant differences were registered in the final healing scale scores between Zcr and Zst ( p < 0.022), as well as for the parameter of regional fluid ( p -value = 0.017). Additionally, at T2, all Zst regions exhibited wound closure, whereas Zcr did not, although not in a statistically significant manner. The observed discrepancy at T2 between the Zcr and Zst regions may suggest a potential benefit of utilizing insulin. No side effects resulting from the insulin topical application performed by the tutors were recorded in the Zst suture group. This study represents the first exploration of the benefits of topical insulin application for surgical wound healing in cats.

The skin contraction phenomenon occurs due to the energy emitted by the surgical CO 2 LASER affecting the collagen architecture and intracellular water content in tissues. The study aimed to assess how gender, age, breed, body-weight, CO 2 LASER emission mode, and potency influence skin contraction following the incision. The study involved 80 dogs (N = 80) of both genders, multiple breeds, undergoing major surgery with CO 2 LASER. Subjects were grouped based on LASER potency (12 or 15 Watts) and emission mode (Superpulse-SP or Continuous-CT): GSP12, GSP15, GCT12, and GCT15. A 10 mm incision was performed using the surgical CO 2 LASER beam, consistently employing a focal point of 0.4 mm, positioned at a distance of 1 mm from the skin surface, and always maintained perpendicular to it, and resulting lengths measured with a digital caliper. Results were considered significant for p-value < 0.05. GSP12 showed minimal contraction, while GCT15 exhibited the most significant. Male subjects in GCT12, GCT15, and GSP12 experienced less contraction than females. Purebred dogs had greater contraction than mixed breeds. GSP12 individuals showed age-related contraction decrease (p < 0.01), with skin contracting by 0.09 mm per year. Weight and skin contraction trended towards significance (p = 0.06), with a 0.02 mm increase per unit weight. For a constant power of 12 W, the analysis of the relationship between the emission mode of the LASER beam and the final skin contraction (GSP12 vs. GCT12) revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.01). This study suggests that the use of the Continuous mode of LASER emission, regardless of the power used, is associated with a higher level of final skin contraction. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER AND DATE OF REGISTRATION FOR PROSPECTIVELY REGISTERED TRIALS: Project approval registration number by the Research and Teaching Ethics Committee (CEIE),Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-University of Lisbon (FMV&#95;ULisboa), Lisboa-Portugal, N/Refª 015/2022., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

Nasal mucosa tumors are an uncommon process and very dificult to work on with surgery. Radiotherapy associated or not with chemotherapy is the standard method to treat the disease. However, its access it is in the majority of the case not possible, making the surgery the best choice to try to achieve the patient's control. The anatomy of the region makes the complete surgical resection very difficult to achieve using the common and conventional blade scalpel surgery. The study features the advantages of using a CO 2 laser to perform nasal mucosa carcinoma surgery in 6 dogs (N = 6). For the work we used an Aesculigth CO 2 surgical laser model -Vetscalpel®, with the settings of 12Watts in a Superpulse mode, and a 0.25-0.4 mm focus to dissect the nasal mucosa, and a 1.5 mm focus for vaporization of the area. All the masses were histopathologically characterized as squamous cells carcinoma. The CO 2 surgical laser allow us to work in a bloodless region promoting a more accurate dissection of the nasal mucosa sparing therefore the underlying and adjacent tissues and being less invasive. Also, it was possible to do the vaporization of the entire surgical area interviened. None of the patients presented relapse of clinical signs. Only 2 individuals were alive at the end of the study, presenting a survival rate of 420 and 514 days, which is in the same line of literature results of the treatment with radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy wich shows a median of 474-580 days. The study demonstrates successful outcomes with CO 2 laser surgery in treating nasal mucosa SCC in dogs, with patients experiencing improved survival rates compared to traditional treatment methods. This highlights the efficacy and potential of CO 2 laser surgery as a valuable tool in managing aggressive nasal tumors in veterinary oncology., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag London Ltd., part of Springer Nature.)

The study aimed to investigate the impact of noise levels in the hospital environment on the stress experienced by hospitalized cats undergoing elective ovariohysterectomy surgery. A total of 33 domestic female cats were included in the study, divided into four groups: a control group (CG) and three experimental groups based on ward noise levels: G1 (Quiet, <60 dB), G2 (Medium, between 60 and 85 dB), and G3 (Noisy, >85 dB). Behavioral assessments, respiratory rate (RR), and plasma cortisol levels ([Cort]p) were measured as indicators of stress. A composite measure of stress, termed the final stress value (FSV), was calculated by summing scores across various behavioral categories. Data collection occurred at three time points: immediately following surgery (T1), and at 2 h (T2) and 3 h (T3) post-surgery. FSV and RR were assessed at all three time points (T1, T2, and T3), while [Cort]p levels were measured at T1 and T3. The study observed that the median values of FSV, RR, and [Cort]p tended to increase with both higher noise levels and longer exposure durations to noise. Significant differences in RR were found between group pairs G1G2 at T1 (|D| = 0.63 < cut-off = 0.98), and G2G3 at T2 (|D| = 0.69 < cut-off = 0.97). Regarding [Cort]p, significant differences were noted between the CGG1 group pair at T0 ( p < 0.01), and T3 ( p = 0.03). Furthermore, an excellent Spearman correlation coefficient (rho = 0.91) was found between FSV and RR, indicating that RR can serve as an effective tool for assessing stress levels in cats. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the welfare of cats in a hospital environment and support the scientific validity of existing recommendations aimed at improving their well-being. Specifically, the study underscores the importance of minimizing noise levels in hospitals as a means to reduce stress in cats. This conclusion aligns with existing guidelines and recommendations for enhancing the welfare of hospitalized cats.

In this retrospective study to determine the optimal method of evaluating static weight-bearing distribution to assess response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis using a weight distribution platform, data from the Clinica Veterinária de Cães (Portuguese Republican National Guard) clinical records were extracted. At baseline and at 15 days post-treatment, follow-up data from 80 dogs treated for bilateral hip osteoarthritis were categorized based on an anchor question. Estimates of minimal clinically important differences were calculated with distribution-based and anchor-based methods for deviation from normal weight-bearing and a symmetry index (SI). For deviation, the anchor-based methods provided a range from -0.3 to -3.1, and the distribution-based methods from 0.16 to 0.29. For SI, the anchor-based methods provided a range from -10.0 to -23.9, and the distribution-based methods from 1.31 to 2.88. Receiver operator characteristic curves provided areas under the curve >0.7, indicating an acceptable cut-off point. We presented estimates of -1 for deviation and -10 for SI in dogs with OA. These estimates can be used for research and patient monitoring. Future studies should include OA from other joints and animals from a broader clinical context.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is highly prevalent in the canine population. Due to the multiple dimensions of the disease, a multimodal approach is usually favored by clinicians. To evaluate the combined treatment with intra-articular platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and photobiomodulation in dogs with bilateral hip OA, thirty dogs were assigned to a PRP group (PRPG, n = 10), a photobiomodulation group (PBMTG, n = 10), or a combined therapies group (PRP+PBMTG, n = 10). The PRPG received two intra-articular administrations of platelet-rich plasma 14 days apart. The PBMTG received photobiomodulation with a therapeutic laser, with three sessions every other day in week one; two sessions in week two; a single session in week three; and one session/month on follow-up evaluation days. The PRP+PBMTG received the two combined therapies. The response to treatment was evaluated with weight-bearing distribution and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory, the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs, and the Canine Orthopedic Index. Evaluations were conducted before treatment and +8, +15, +30, +60, and +90 days after initial treatment. Normality was assessed with a Shapiro-Wilk test, and the groups' results in each evaluation moment were compared using a Mann-Whitney U test. Animals of both sexes (male n = 19, female n = 11) were included in the sample, with a mean age of 7.8 ± 2.5 years and a body weight of 26.5 ± 4.7 kg. Joints were classified as mild (n = 6, three in PRPG, two in PBMTG, and one in PRP+PBMTG), moderate (n = 18, six in PRPG, five in PBMTG, and seven in PRP+PBMTG), and severe (n = 6, one in PRPG, three in PBMTG, and two in PRP+PBMTG). No differences were found between groups at the initial evaluation. All treatments produced clinically significant improvements compared to the assessment on treatment day. The combination of PRP and photobiomodulation produced greater, longer-lasting improvements. PRP and photobiomodulation can improve objective outcomes and client-reported outcome measures in dogs with OA. Their combined use leads to greater, longer-lasting, clinically significant improvements.

Infrared thermography is suggested as a method of medical assistance for evaluating anatomical regions where there may be some inflammatory or painful condition that requires immediate medical attention. For this reason, this study aimed to characterize digital thermography of the lumbar region in police working dogs with hip osteoarthritis, 47 dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were evaluated. A thermographic dorsoventral view of the dogs' backs were obtained, and mean and maximum temperatures were determined. In addition, results from the Canine Brief Pain Inventory, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), the Canine Orthopedic Index, and weight-bearing distribution evaluation were collected. Results were compared with an Independent Samples T-Test or ANOVA, followed by an LSD post hoc. Multiple regression was run to predict temperatures from age, sex, breed, body weight, and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip score and to predict clinical metrology scores and weight-bearing distribution results from temperature results. The sample included 28 males and 19 females, with a mean age of 6.3 ± 2.5 years and bodyweight of 26.9 ± 5.1 kg, with osteoarthritis hip scores of mild (70.2%), moderate (21.3%), and severe (8.5%). Significant differences were observed in mean temperatures between German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) and Labrador Retrievers (LR) (p < 0.01), and LR and Belgian Malinois (BM) (p=0.02). Mean temperature contributed to the prediction of LOAD and stiffness. LR showed significantly higher temperature values than GSD and BM. No differences were observed between osteoarthritis hip scores and mean temperature values contributed to LOAD scores' prediction. This relation needs to be addressed in further studies, involving a larger number of animals, and to determine changes in response to treatment., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no conflict of interest to state., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Periodontal disease is a relevant oral disease in dogs and nisin-biogel has been previously proposed to be used in its control. Enterococci , as inhabitants of the oral cavity with a high genetic versatility, are a reliable bacterial model for antimicrobial studies. Our goal was to evaluate the in vivo influence of the long-term dental application of the nisin-biogel on the virulence and antimicrobial signatures of canine oral enterococci . Twenty dogs were randomly allocated to one of two groups (treatment group-TG with nisin-biogel dental application, or control group-CG without treatment) and submitted to dental plaque sampling at day 0 and after 90 days (T90). Samples were processed for Enterococcus spp. isolation, quantification, identification, molecular typing and antimicrobial and virulence characterization. From a total of 140 enterococci , molecular typing allowed us to obtain 70 representative isolates, mostly identified as E. faecalis and E. faecium . No significant differences ( p > 0.05) were observed in the virulence index of the isolates obtained from samples collected from the TG and CG at T90. At T90, a statistically significant difference ( p = 0.0008) was observed in the antimicrobial resistance index between the isolates from the TC and CG. Oral enterococci were revealed to be reservoirs of high resistant and virulent phenotypes.

Periodontal disease (PD) is a common oral disease in dogs. Recent in vitro research revealed that nisin−biogel is a promising compound for canine PD control. In this work, a clinical trial was developed to assess the in vivo efficacy of nisin−biogel in dogs by determining the dental plaque index (DPI), gingivitis index (GI), and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) after dental administration. The biogel’s influence on aerobic bacteria counts was also evaluated, as well as its acceptance/adverse effects in dogs. Twenty animals were allocated to one of two groups: a treatment group (TG) subjected to a dental topical application of nisin−biogel for 90 days and a control group (CG) with no treatment. Besides daily monitoring, on day 1 (T0) and at the end of the assay (T90), animals were subjected to blood analysis, periodontal evaluation, dental plaque sampling, scaling, and polishing. Statistical analysis with mixed models showed a significant reduction in mean PPD (estimate = −0.371, p-value < 0.001) and DPI (estimate = −0.146, p-value < 0.05) in the TG animals at T90. A reduction in the GI (estimate = −0.056, p-value > 0.05) was also observed but with no statistical significance. No influence on total bacterial counts was observed, and no adverse effects were detected. The nisin−biogel was revealed to be a promising compound for canine PD control.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a growing welfare problem for dogs and a challenge to manage for the clinician, and most therapeutic options aim to control pain. In a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, 2-way, 2-period crossover study, we aimed to evaluate the use of Blood Cell Secretome (BCS) administrated intra-articularly, with or without the combination with triamcinolone, in dogs with bilateral hip OA. BCS is an acellular orthobiologic containing anti-inflammatory and anabolic proteins produced from the patient’s own blood through extended coagulation in a defined environment. Fifteen dogs were initially assigned to a BCS group (BCSG, n = 5), a triamcinolone group (TG, n = 5), or a combination group (BCS+TG, n = 5). All had bilateral hip OA. After a 180-day follow-up, the crossover was performed with BCSG (n = 7) and BCS+TG (n = 7). BCSG received a single intra-articular administration of 3 mL of Blood Cell Secretome, and BCS+TG received BCS plus 0.5 mL of triamcinolone acetonide (40 mg/mL). The volume in BCSG was corrected to 3.5 mL with saline. In all patients, both hips were treated. For treatment follow-up, a copy of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score—PIS and Pain Severity Score—PSS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI, divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) was completed on days 0, 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180. Results were analyzed with the Mann−Whitney U test, effect size, and Kaplan−Meier estimators, followed by the log-rank test. p was set at <0.05. Patients of the sample had a mean age of 9.6 ± 2.9 years and a body weight of 29.2 ± 3.9 kg. Seven hips were classified as severe osteoarthritis, and eight were classified as moderate. No differences were found between groups at T0. Significant differences were observed in PSS scores at +8d, with BCS+TG exhibiting better results. PIS, PSS, LOAD, stiffness, and function scores were also lower in BCS+TG from +15 to +60d. The two groups showed similar improvements from +90 to +120d. Kaplan−Meier estimators showed that dogs in BCS+TG showed clinically-important differences for longer, despite a positive result in BCSG. The intra-articular administration of BCS alone was able to improve the overall condition of OA patients. Its combined use with triamcinolone acetonide lead to a faster and longer-lasting improvement in pain scores.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most commonly diagnosed joint disease in companion animals, and proper tools are necessary to assess patients and response to treatment. We aimed to perform the psychometric evaluation of several clinical metrology instruments (CMI), developed to evaluate pain and assess outcome. Fifty police working dogs with bilateral hip OA were assessed in a prospective, randomised, double-blinded study. Patients were evaluated using a stance analyser in six different moments divided over a 180-day period. Pedometer step count, weight-bearing symmetry index and deviation from normal weight-bearing were calculated and used for criterion validity. In each evaluation moment, a copy of the Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS), Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) and Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI) were completed by the dogs' handlers. Correlations between CMIs were evaluated as construct validity. Further evaluation was performed with the Kaiser-Meyer-Olin measure of sampling adequacy, Eigenvalue and scree-plot analysis. Internal consistency was tested with Cronbach's α. Significant weak correlation was found between all CMIs and stance analysis symmetry index measure and deviation, indicating criterion validity. Significant weak correlation was also found between pedometer count and LOAD plus COI. Cronbach's α was 0.80 for HVAS, 0.98 for CBPI, 0.97 for LOAD and 0.98 for COI. Significant strong correlation was observed between CMIs, indicating construct validity. We present criterion and construct validity of these CMIs, which are able to capture various dimensions of OA. They can be used for the evaluation of osteoarthritis and response to treatment in dogs.

Background: Osteoarthritis represents a significant welfare problem for many dogs, with limited therapeutic options other than palliative pain control. To evaluate the effect of the intra-articular administration of blood cell secretome and triamcinolone, 15 dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to a blood cell secretome (BCSG, n = 5), triamcinolone (TG) or their combination group (BCS + TG, n = 5). BCSG received a single intra-articular administration of 3 ml of blood cell secretome, TG 0.5 ml of triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/ml, and BCS + TG received the combined products. The volume to administrate was corrected to 3.5 ml with saline. On days 0, 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180, a copy of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score-PIS and Pain Severity Score-PSS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS), and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI, divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) was completed. Results were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Kaplan-Meier estimators were conducted and compared with the Log Rank test, p < 0.05., Results: Animals in the sample had a mean age of 9.0 ± 2.9 years and a bodyweight of 28.8 ± 4.1 kg. Hips were classified as moderate (8) and severe (7) osteoarthritis. No differences were found between groups at T0 regarding considered evaluations. Significant differences were observed between groups in pain scores from + 8d- + 150d, with BCS + TG exhibiting better results. The same was observed for HVAS and LOAD, from + 8d- + 120d. Improvements were also observed in several dimensions of the COI. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed that BCS + TG produced longer periods with better results, followed by BCSG and TG., Conclusion: The intra-articular administration of blood cell secretome improved the clinical signs and scores of several clinical metrology instruments in dogs with hip OA, particularly when combined with triamcinolone. Further studies are required., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

To describe the weight-bearing compensation in working dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA), 50 police working dogs were evaluated with a weight distribution platform at the initial evaluation and after intra-articular treatment (a negative control - 0.9% sodium chloride (NaCl), a platelet concentrate, Hylan G-F 20, triamcinolone hexacetonide or stanozolol). Six evaluation sessions were performed, over a 180-day period. Results were compared by breed, age, sex, weight and Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip grade scores with the Independent Samples T-Test, repeated samples Analysis of variance and Pearson correlation coefficient, P < .05. Animals had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.2kg. No significant differences were observed when comparing weight-bearing for different breeds, sex, hip grades or weight during the initial evaluation. Significant differences were observed in deviation (P < .01) and symmetry index (P < .01) between the control and treatment groups during the follow-up period. A weight shift from pelvic to thoracic limbs was observed, with a weak, although a significant, correlation between a pelvic limb and the opposing contralateral thoracic limb. Labrador Retrievers showed higher symmetry index and deviation from normal values during the follow-up period than German Shepherd Dogs and Dutch Shepherd Dogs. Male dogs also showed higher symmetry index and deviation compared with females. At this period, the symmetry index showed a weak, although significant, correlation with body weight. Weight-bearing of all limbs correlated with the remaining limbs, reflecting a more balanced weight distribution than the initial evaluation. The weight distribution platform can be used to evaluate patients, at the initial presentation and during the assessment of response to treatment., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis., Animals: 20 dogs., Procedures: Forty joints were assigned to a control group (CG; n = 20) or treatment group (photobiomodulation therapy [PBMT]; 20). CG received a 21-day course of meloxicam, and PBMT received treatment with a Class IV therapeutic laser over 3 weeks. Joint range of motion, thigh girth, the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided into pain interference score [PIS] and pain severity score [PSS]), Hudson Visual Analogue Scale, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs, and Canine Orthopedic Index (COI; divided into function, gait, stiffness, and quality of life) were evaluated before treatment, +8, +15, +30, +60, and +90 days after initial treatment. Results were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA or Wilcoxon signed ranks test, P < 0.05. Kaplan-Meier estimators were compared with the Breslow test., Results: Patients had a mean age of 8.3 ± 1.9 years and body weight of 65.7 ± 12.1lb. Osteoarthritis was classified as moderate (n = 26) and severe (14). No differences were found at time 0. Better results were observed in PBMT at +8 days (P = 0.01 for PSS, P = 0.04 for function and COI), +15 days (P = 0.01 for PSS and function, P = 0.02 for PIS and function, P = 0.03 for COI and P = 0.04 for Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs [LOAD]) and +30 days (P = 0.01 for function and gait, P = 0.02 for COI, and P = 0.04 for PIS, PSS, and LOAD). Joint range of motion improved in PBMT from +15 to 90 days. Kaplan-Meier estimators showed that PBMT produced longer periods with better results., Clinical Relevance: PBMT reduced pain levels and improved clinical findings in dogs with hip osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease with a high negative impact on patient's quality of life and a high financial burden. It is a source of chronic pain and affects all mammals, including humans and dogs. As the dog is a common model for translation research of human OA, and exploring spontaneous dog OA can improve the health and well-being of both humans and dogs. To describe the effect of the intra-articular administration of stanozolol in a naturally occurring canine OA model, forty canine (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to receive stanozolol or saline (control). On treatment day and at 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment, several evaluations were conducted: weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs. Also, synovial fluid C-reactive protein and interleukin-1 levels were evaluated. Results from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared with Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, paired-samples t-test, or Wilcoxon signed-rank test, with p < 0.05. OA was graded as mild (90%), moderate (5%), and severe (5%), including both sexes. They had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. No differences were found between groups at treatment day in all considered evaluations. Weight distribution showed significant improvements with stanozolol from 15 days (p < 0.05) up to 180 days (p < 0.01). Lower values during thermographic evaluation in both views taken and improved joint extension at 90 (p = 0.02) and 180 days (p < 0.01) were observed. Pain and function scores improved up to 180 days. In the control group, radiographic signs progressed, in contrast with stanozolol. The use of stanozolol was safe and produced significant improvements in weight-bearing, pain score, and clinical evaluations in a naturally occurring canine OA model., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex joint disease and chronic pain source, affecting a patient's quality of life and posing a financial burden. As the dog is considered a nearly ideal species for translation research of human OA and the most used model for research, exploring spontaneous dog OA under the One Health/One Medicine concept can improve both humans and dogs' health and well-being., Methods: In a clinical treatment experiment, forty (N=40) joints were selected and randomly assigned to a control group (CG), which received 0.9% NaCl or a treatment (HG), which received Hylan G-F 20. Evaluations were performed on treatment day (T0), 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment. They consisted of four different Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMI), evaluation of weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, radiographic and digital thermography imaging, synovial fluid interleukin-1 (IL-1), and C-reactive protein concentrations. Results were compared with repeated measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, Paired samples T-test, or Wilcoxon signed-ranks test, with p<0.05., Results: Patients had a mean age of 6.5±2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.6±5.2kg, and joints graded as mild (n=28, 70%), moderate (n=6, 15%), and severe OA (n=6, 15%). No differences were found between groups at T0. Symmetry index and deviation showed significant improvements in HG from 30 days (p<0.01) up to 180 days (p=0.01). Several CMI scores, particularly pain scores, improved from 90 to 180 days. Radiographic signs progressed in both groups. In both groups, increasing body weight and age corresponded to worse clinical presentation. IA hyaluronan administration produced increased lameness in six cases, which resolved spontaneously., Conclusions: This study characterizes the response to treatment with Hylan G-F 20, which can produce significant functional and pain level improvements in patients with OA, even those with factors related to worse response to treatment.

Background: In dogs, thermal imaging has been documented only recently, but a growing interest in this modality has led to studies using thermography to assess pathologies in the canine hip, stifle, elbow, intervertebral disc, and bone neoplasia. This study aimed to evaluate the use of digital thermography in assessing and evaluating treatment response in dogs with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and comparing its results with an objective measure and two clinical metrology instruments. In an experimental, randomized, double-blinded study, one hundred hip joints of fifty police working dogs with bilateral hip OA were evaluated. A dorsoventral and lateral thermographic image were obtained on days 0, 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180. Mean and maximal temperatures were determined. Additionally, the animal's weight-bearing distribution and radiographic examination of the hip joint (extended legs ventrodorsal view) were performed. Copies of the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI) and Canine Orthopaedic Index (COI) were obtained. Results were analyzed by ANOVA, followed by an LSD post-hoc test, and correlations were assessed with Spearman correlation coefficient, with p < 0.05., Results: Values recorded on the lateral view were higher than those on the dorsoventral view. No differences or correlations were found between Orthopedic Foundation for Animals hip grades and temperature. Digital thermographic images showed a weak significant correlation with weight-bearing evaluations (r = 0.13, p < 0.01) and different clinical metrology instruments scores (r = - 0.25, p < 0.01 for pain severity score, and r = - 0.21, p = 0.04 for gait). It also correlated with radiographic findings, specifically the circumferential femoral head osteophyte and caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte., Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study presenting the digital thermography assessment of Police working dogs submitted to treatment for hip OA. Digital thermography, mainly based on a lateral view evaluation, showed a weak significant correlation with stance analysis and clinical metrology instruments scores.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the symmetry of clinical and radiographic signs of right and left pelvic limbs of dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA) and evaluate the association of physical findings and radiographic abnormalities., Patients and Methods: One hundred pelvic limbs of police working dogs with bilateral hip OA were evaluated, following a screening program. Weight distribution, joint range of motion at flexion and extension, thigh girth, and radiographic signs were recorded and compared with the results of the contralateral limb and by breed, age, and sex with the Paired Samples T-Test and Pearson correlation coefficient, with p<0.05., Results: The sample mean age was 6.5±2.2 years, and the bodyweight of 26.7±5.3kg. No significant differences were observed when comparing weight distribution, joint range of motion, and thigh girth of left and right limbs. Weight distribution and age showed a statistically significant correlation with joint extension. The right limbs showed a significantly higher frequency of circumferential femoral head osteophyte (CFHO) regarding radiographic signs. Limbs with CFHO or caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte had significantly larger joint flexion angle (p = 0.02) and smaller extension angle (p<0.01), respectively, compared to those that did not. Age showed a significant correlation with the presence of several radiographic findings, as did different breeds., Conclusion: Clinical and radiographic signs occur symmetrically in naturally occurring hip OA in police working dogs. Several correlations were observed between the evaluations performed and differences between breeds, which can be useful in assessing and early diagnosis of hip OA., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: The Stance Analyser used in this study was provided by Companion, LiteCure LLC. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease transversal to all mammals, a source of chronic pain and disability, a huge burden to societies, with a significant toll in healthcare cost, while reducing productivity and quality of life. The dog is considered a useful model for the translational study of the disease, closely matching human OA, with the advantage of a faster disease progression while maintaining the same life stages. In a prospective, longitudinal, double-blinded, negative controlled study, one hundred (N = 100) hip joints were selected and randomly assigned to five groups: control group (CG, n = 20, receiving a saline injection), triamcinolone hexacetonide group (THG, n = 20), platelet concentrate group (PCG, n = 20), stanozolol group (SG, n = 20) and hylan G-F 20 group (HG). Evaluations were conducted on days 0 (T0, treatment day), 8, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days post-treatment, consisting of weight distribution analysis and data from four Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMI). Kaplan-Meier estimators were generated and compared with the Breslow test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of variables of interest on treatment survival. All results were analyzed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 20 and a significance level of p < 0.05 was set. Sample included joints of 100 pelvic limbs (of patients with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. Joints were graded as mild (n = 70), moderate (n = 20) and severe (n = 10) OA. No differences were found between groups at T0. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that all treatments produced longer periods with better results in the various evaluations compared to CG. Patients in HG and PCG took longer to return to baseline values and scores. A higher impact on pain interference was observed in THG, with a 95% improvement over CG. PCG and HG experienced 57-81% improvements in functional evaluation and impairments due to OA, and may be a better options for these cases. This study documented the efficacy of several approaches to relieve OA clinical signs. These approaches varied in intensity and duration. HG and PCG where the groups were more significant improvements were observed throughout the follow-up periods, with lower variation in results.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of an intra-articular (IA) administration of triamcinolone hexacetonide, compared with saline., Patients and Methods: Forty (N = 40) hip joints were randomly assigned to a treatment group (THG, n = 20, receiving IA triamcinolone hexacetonide) and a control group (CG, n = 20, receiving IA saline). On treatment day (T0), and at 8, 15, 30, 90 and 180 days post-treatment, weight distribution, joint range of motion, thigh girth, digital thermography, radiographic signs, synovial fluid interleukin-1 and C-reactive protein levels were evaluated. Data from four Clinical Metrology Instruments was also gathered. Results were compared Repeated Measures ANOVA, with a Huynh-Feldt correction, Paired Samples T-Test or Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test. A Kaplan-Meier test was performed to compare both groups, with p<0.05., Results: Joints were graded as mild (65%), moderate (20%) and severe (15%). Patients of both sexes, with a mean age of 6.5±2.4 years and bodyweight of 26.7±5.2kg, were included. No differences were found between groups at T0. Comparing THG to CG, weight distribution showed significant improvements in THG from 8 (p = 0.05) up to 90 days (p = 0.01). THG showed lower values during thermographic evaluation in the Lt view (p<0.01). Pain and function scores also improved from 30 to 180 days. Increasing body weight, age, and presence of caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte corresponded to worse response to treatment. Results of the Kaplan Meier test showed significant differences between groups, with THG performing better considering several evaluations and scores., Conclusion: THG recorded significant improvements in weight-bearing and in with the considered CMIs, particularly pain scores. Lower thermographic values were registered in THG up to the last evaluation day. Age, sex, and radiographic findings did significantly influenced response to treatment., Competing Interests: I have read the journal’s policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: The CRP tests were provided by FujiFilm Europe GmbH. The Stance Analyser used in this study was provided by Companion, LiteCure LLC. The digital thermography camera was provided by Specman, Lda. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

Objectives: To compare the effect of intra-articular treatment with triamcinolone hexacetonide (TH), stanozolol, hyaluronan, and a platelet concentrate in police working dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design: Prospective, longitudinal, double-blinded, negative controlled study. Sample Population: Fifty police working dogs with naturally occurring hip OA. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n = 10), TH group (THG, n = 10), platelet concentrate group (PCG, n = 10), stanozolol group (SG, n = 10), and Hylan G-F 20 group (HG). On days 0 (T0), 8, 15, 30, 90, and 180 days post-treatment, weight-bearing distribution was evaluated. In those days, and on days 60, 120, and 150, four clinical metrology instruments were completed. Kaplan-Meier estimators were conducted and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to determine treatment survival. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Patients had a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and body weight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. At T0, hips were classified as mild ( n = 35), moderate ( n = 10), and severe ( n = 5), according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals grading scheme. No differences were found between groups at that moment considering age, body weight, OFA hip score, and all assessments performed. All treatments improved clinical signs in various OA dimensions in some groups, with a broad effect interval. PCG showed a lower range of variation while maintaining a positive result for more extended periods ( p < 0.01 for symmetry index and 0.01 < p < 0.04 in the majority of scores). Breed, age, sex, and OFA grade did not significantly influence response to treatment. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This is the first prospective, negative controlled, double-blinded study to compare the effect of a single administration of these IA treatments in dogs with hip OA. HG and PCG recorded more significant improvements throughout the 180-day follow-up. In particular, PCG also registered a lower variation in results, seemingly the best therapeutic option. Nevertheless, improvements were still observed in THG and SG, and these treatment options can be considered, mainly when the first two treatments are not available., Competing Interests: The V-PET kits used in this study were provided by the Pall Corporation and the Stance Analyser used in this study was provided by Companion, LiteCure LLC®. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Alves, Santos, Jorge, Lavrador and Carreira.)

Background: Periodontal disease (PD) in dogs is prompted by the establishment of a polymicrobial biofilm at the tooth surface and a subsequent host inflammatory response. Several strategies may be used for PD control, including dental hygiene home care procedures, like toothbrushing, special diet and chew toys that reduce dental plaque accumulation, or professional periodontal treatments. Aiming at PD control, a biogel composed by nisin and guar-gum was previously developed. This work aimed to establish an in vitro model mimicking the PD-associated biofilms and to evaluate the nisin-biogel inhibitory activity against this polymicrobial biofilm by determining its Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory (MBIC) and Eradication Concentrations (MBEC). Bacterial species tested included Neisseria zoodegmatis CCUG 52598T, Corynebacterium canis CCUG 58627T, Porphyromonas cangingivalis DSMZ VPB 4874, Peptostreptococcus canis CCUG 57081 and an Enterococcus faecalis isolate belonging to a collection of oral bacteria obtained from dogs with PD. Before establishing the biofilm, coaggregation between species was determined by optical density measurement after 2 and 24 hours. Nisin-biogel MBIC and MBEC values regarding the polymicrobial biofilm were determined using a modified version of the Calgary biofilm pin lid device, after confirming the presence of the five bacterial species by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization., Results: Only 40% of the bacterial dual suspensions were able to coaggregate at 2 hours, but all species tested exhibited a coaggregation percentage higher than 30% at 24 hours. It was possible to establish a 48 h polymicrobial biofilm model composed by the five bacterial species selected. This model was used to determine nisin-biogel MBIC (26.39 ± 5.89 µg/mL) and MBEC (62.5 ± 27.73 µg/mL) values., Conclusions: Our results showed that the nisin-biogel can inhibit and eradicate PD multispecies biofilms. As this in vitro model mimics an in vivo periodontal polymicrobial biofilm, our results reinforce the potential of the application of nisin-biogel for canine PD control.

Background: Digital thermal imaging is a physiologic, non-invasive, contactless, and non-radiating diagnostic tool that can assess a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including hip osteoarthritis (HOA). Fifty police working dogs were evaluated to compare the dorsoventral (DV) and lateral (LT) thermographic images in dogs with naturally occurring bilateral HOA. A DV, and left and right lateral LT images were obtained for each animal in six different moments. They were positioned standing in a symmetrical upright position for the DV view. Each image included the area from the last lumbar to the first coccygeal vertebrae. Each LT view was set with the greater trochanter in the centre of the image. Images were taken with a thermographic camera from a distance of 60 cm. Mean and maximal temperatures were recorded, analyzed with ANOVA, dependent samples t-test, and Spearman correlation, with P < 0.05., Results: Nine hundred images were considered, collected from 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.2 years and bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.3 kg. The overall value recorded on the DV view was 25.3º ± 9.1 and 28.4º ± 2.8 on the lateral view. These were significantly different (P < 0.01) and with a low correlation (r = 0.10, P = 0.03). German Shepard dogs showed significantly lower values on all views than other breeds (P < 0.01), and heavier dogs had higher values on the lateral view., Conclusions: This is the first study that describes digital thermography's diagnostic use to evaluate working dogs with naturally occurring HOA, comparing two different views. Future studies should address each one's value in the diagnosis and response to treatment of this disease.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most commonly diagnosed joint disease in veterinary medicine, with at least 80% of the cases of lameness and joint diseases in companion animals being classified as OA. Sporting and working animals are more predisposed to develop OA since they are exposed to chronic fatigue injuries, leading to bone and muscular tissue damage and failure, resulting in clinical signs. To characterize the clinical signs and diagnostic findings of Police working dogs presenting with bilateral hip OA at the time of diagnosis. Fifty animals were evaluated with a bodyweight ≥ 15 kg, be older than two years, and without any medication or nutritional supplements for ≥ 6 weeks., Results: Weight distribution, joint range of motion at flexion and extension, thigh girth, digital thermography, and radiographic signs were collected. Data from different Clinical Metrology Instruments (CMI) were collected: Canine Brief Pain Inventory, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs, Canine Orthopedic Index, and the Hudson Visual Analogue Scale. Results were compared by breed, age, sex, and Orthopaedic Foundation for Animals hip grades with the Independent Samples T-Test, ANOVA followed by a Bonferroni post hoc test, and Pearson correlation coefficient, with p < 0.05. The sample included 30 males and 20 females, with a mean age of 6.5 ± 2.4 years and a bodyweight of 26.7 ± 5.2 kg. Animals with weight distribution below normal levels had significant variations of joint extension and function scores. This evaluation was the only not correlated with at least one breed. Animals with caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte showed a poorer clinical presentation and worse scores in all considered CMIs. Radiographic changes correlated with age and corresponded to worse CMIs scores and weight distribution. Dutch Shepherd Dogs showed better CMI scores than the other considered breeds., Conclusions: Police working dogs presented with complaints related to hip OA at an early stage of the disease. Hip scores influenced clinical presentation, with moderate cases showing lower thigh girth and worse pain interference and severity, and function scores than mild cases. Patients with severe OA had lower thermographic evaluations than patients with moderate OA. Age was the primary variable influencing considered CMI scores.

Objectives: To describe and compare the use and effectiveness of a single intra-articular injection (IA) of triamcinolone acetonide (TA), hyaluronan (HA), and a combination of both (TA+HA) in police working dogs with natural occurring hip osteoarthritis (OA). Study Design: Prospective, randomized, single-blinded study. Sample Population: Thirty animals with naturally occurring hip OA. Methods: Animals were randomly divided in three groups: GT, treated with 20 mg of TA per hip joint; GH, treated with treated 20 mg of HA per hip joint; and GTH, treated with a combination of 20 mg of TA and 20 mg of HA per hip joint. Response to treatment, measured by the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (divided in Pain Interference Score-PIS and Pain Severity Score-PSS) and the Hudson Visual Analog Scale (HVAS), was evaluated in seven different time points: T0 (before treatment), T1 (after 15 days), T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 (after 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 months, respectively). Results were compared using a Kruskal-Wallis test or a Wilcoxon signed ranks test, and p < 0.05 was set. Results: Comparing results of the different time points considered with T0, significant differences were registered in GH at T1 for HVAS ( p = 0.03) and PIS ( p = 0.04); and in GTH at T1 ( p = 0.05 for HVAS and p < 0.05 for PIS), T2 ( p < 0.04 for PIS), T3 ( p < 0.03 for HVAS and p = 0.05 for PIS), T4 ( p < 0.03 for HVAS and p < 0.05), and T5 ( p < 0.05 for HVAS). No significant differences were found between groups when comparing scores in each time point. Individual treatment is considered successful with a reduction of ≥1 for PSS or ≥2 for PIS. In GTH, treatment was successful in four animals between T1 and T5 (40%, n = 10) and three at T6-T7 (30%, n = 10) for PSS and three animals of GTH at T1 (30%), two at T2 (20%), three between T3 and T4 (30%), and two between T5 and T7 (20%). Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: This study provides direct information on the use of these treatment modalities in patients with hip OA. Intra-articular injection with TA and HA may be a treatment option for dogs with naturally occurring OA, particularly when simultaneously used, as they provide significant improvements of PIS and HVAS scores. Individual scores improved in some animals with PIS, PSS, and HVAS., (Copyright © 2020 Alves, Santos, Jorge, Lavrador and Carreira.)

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) represents a significant burden to societies, as it affects quality of life, performance and poses a large healthcare cost. We aimed to describe the use of a single intra-articular (IA) injection of an autologous platelet therapy in the management of osteoarthritis (OA) in a naturally occurring canine model., Methods: Fifteen police working dogs with bilateral hip OA were treated with 3 ml of platelet concentrate per hip joint, produced with the V-PET kit. Response to treatment was measured by the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI, divided in pain interference score - PIS, and Pain Severity Score - PSS), Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD), Canine Orthopedic Index (COI, divided in four dimensions: function, gait, stiffness and quality of life - QOL) and the Hudson Visual Analogue Scale (HVAS). Seven different time points were considered: T0 (before treatment), T1 (after 15 days), T2, T3, T4, T5 and T6 (after 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 months respectively). Results from each evaluation moment were compared with T0 with a Paired Samples T-Test, and a p < 0.05 was set., Results: Significant differences were observed at T1 (p < 0.01 for HVAS, PSS, COI, Gait and QOL; p = 0.01 for PIS; p = 0.02 for Function; and p < 0.05 for Stiffness), T2 (p < 0.01 for PSS, PIS and Gait; p = 0.01 for COI; p = 0.02 for HVAS, Function and QOL; and p = 0.04 for Stiffness), T3 (p < 0.01 for HVAS, PSS, PIS, Function and Gait; p = 0.01 for COI; and p = 0.02 for QOL), T4 (p < 0.01 for PSS; p = 0.03 for PIS and Gait), T5 (p < 0.01 for COI, Function and Gait; p = 0.03 for PSS, PIS and Stiffness), T6 (p < 0.01 for PSS, Function and Gait; p = 0.04 for PIS; p < 0.05 for COI) and T7 (p < 0.01 for PSS, Function and Gait; p = 0.01 for COI; and p < 0.05 for PIS)., Conclusions: Autologous platelet therapy was used without apparent harm in the subjects. A single administration produced significant improvements, which lasted several months, and therefore warrants further study.

Objectives Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the most common renal pathology diagnosed in geriatric cats, and its prevalence increases with age. The arterial resistive index (RI) is important when evaluating vascular resistance and compliance, and can be applied in the kidney (renal RI [RRI]), allowing the evaluation of its vascular haemodynamics. The present study aimed to: (1) investigate in cats with CKD the relationships between the RRI and the following parameters: age, sex, body weight, plasmatic creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, potassium, urine specific gravity, urine protein:creatinine ratio and systolic arterial pressure; and (2) evaluate the potential use of the RRI as a preliminary diagnostic tool in cats with CKD. Methods The present study involved 24 cats of both sexes. Six were healthy cats (control group [CG]) and 18 had CKD, but did not have any concomitant diseases and were not being treated with any medications (study group [SG]). For RRI measurement we used colour Doppler ultrasound (CDUS). Results RRI differed significantly between the CG and SG ( P <0.01) and was higher in the SG. A statistically significant correlation was only achieved between the RRI and the body weight of the patients and it was negative. A strong and positive correlation was noted between the mean RRI of both kidneys (r = 0.66). Receiver-operating curve analysis allowed us to establish an admissible cut-off for the RRI value of 0.639 for a preliminary diagnosis of CKD for both kidneys. Conclusions and relevance No differences were found for the RRI between the left and right kidneys, suggesting that evaluation of only one kidney is sufficient to provide an estimate of the RRI value for both organs. RRI measurement, which can be achieved with CDUS, is an easy-to-use diagnostic tool that, with a cut-off value of 0.639 for both kidneys, is useful in establishing a preliminary diagnosis of CKD.

The study used 69 brains ( n = 69) from adult dog cadavers, divided by their skull type into three groups, brachi (B), dolicho (D) and mesaticephalic (M) ( n = 23 each), and aimed: (1) to determine whether the Bronson equation may be applied, without reservation, to estimate brain weight (BW) in brachy (B), dolicho (D), and mesaticephalic (M) dog breeds; and (2) to evaluate which breeds are more closely related to each other in an evolutionary scenario. All subjects were identified by sex, age, breed, and body weight (bw). An oscillating saw was used for a circumferential craniotomy to open the skulls; the brains were removed and weighed using a digital scale. For statistical analysis, p- values < 0.05 were considered significant. The work demonstrated a strong relationship between the observed and predicted BW by using the Bronson equation. It was possible to hypothesize that groups B and D present a greater encephalization level than M breeds, that B and D dog breeds are more closely related to each other than to M, and from the three groups, the D individuals presented the highest brain mass mean.

This study was performed in a sample of 20 dogs (n = 20) and aimed to: (1) characterize the mandible height (Mh), mandibular canal height (MCh) and distance between the inter-dental alveolar margin and the mandibular canal (dIAM-MC) dimensions, and (2) to develop mathematical models that express the insight's mandible anatomy of those important mandible structural elements allowing the prediction of their dimensions using physical parameters such as patient body weight (Wg) and the canine tooth width at the free gingival margin level-(wCGM). Lateral-view X-rays of both sides of the skull were taken for all the individuals. Three mathematical prediction models were developed to calculate Mh, MCh and dIAM-MC. Achieved proportions of the mandible considered parameters regarding its height were of 36.45% for MCh, 50.90% for dMAI-MC and 12.65% for vMC. Statistically significant differences were registered between the Wg and wCGM (P = 0.00), Mh (P = 0.00), MCh (P = 0.00) and dIAM-MC (P = 0.00). Only the Wg presented a strong correlation with the wCGM (R = 0.58), Mh (R = 0.70), dIAM-MC (R = 0.60) and MCh (R = 0.68). These models will allow a clinician to estimate the size of the mandible structures by only using data obtained during the physiological examination, with a sufficiently high prediction capacity and a very low standard error. The study points out the relationships of physiological parameters such as Wg and wCGM with mandible anatomical structural elements considered as important in oral surgery. The results of this study give the surgeon a new additional tool providing more information on the mandible anatomical structures and its relationships. This reduces the risk of iatrogenic lesions during the oral surgical procedures and improves patient safety., (© 2016 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objectives: This pilot study aimed to investigate whether and how music and musical genres may influence the depth of anaesthesia, as measured using changes in arterial blood pressure (ABP), including systolic blood pressure (SBP), and heart rate (HR) across three different surgical time points., Methods: This work focused on a sample of 12 female cats (Felis catus) that were subjected to an elective ovariohysterectomy (OVH), and three different surgical time points were considered (T1, coeliotomy; T2, ligature placement and transection of the ovarian pedicle; and T3, ligature placement and transection of the uterine body). All of the cats were subjected to stimulation with 2 min segments of three music tracks from different genres (pop [PM], classical [CM] and heavy metal [HM]). At the same time, ABP and HR measurements were obtained using a multi-parametric monitor. For statistical analysis, P values <0.05 were considered significant., Results: For all cats, music exposure induced statistically significant changes in the parameters under study; the same finding was observed for the genre of music. The majority of cats experienced the same variation pattern, with lower values when exposed to CM, intermediate values when exposed to PM and higher values when exposed to HM., Conclusions and Relevance: Our results indicate that the development of sensory processing of acoustic stimuli is maintained by cats under general anaesthesia and reveal the influence of music on the autonomous nervous system, as measured using HR and SBP., (© ISFM and AAFP 2015.)

We characterized the anatomical morphology of the transverse venous sinus (TVS) of 69 canine adult cadavers belonging to three groups: brachycephalic (B), dolichocephalic (D) and mesaticephalic (M). In addition, we outlined its path over the skull using five classic human craniometric points (CPs): the asterion (ast), the bregma (b), the glabella (g), the stephanion (st) and the pterion (pt). The study aimed to establish anatomical differences in the TVS between groups and in the relationship between the TVS and skull. We found that TVS anatomy and its relationships to skull landmarks vary markedly between the groups, with similar anatomical arrangements in B and M. The TVS length can be ranked as M < B < D (with D being the biggest), whereas the width can be ranked as M < D < B (with B being the widest) with the right side being smaller than the left. In the B and M groups, the TVS assumes a craniocaudal trajectory that is closer to the lateral skull wall than in D, where the TVS presents a caudocranial direction. By documenting the morphological characteristics of the TVS, we can create a set of anatomical references allowing construction of a basic framework to greatly decrease the probability of TVS injury during neuronavigation procedures when supported by a good knowledge of the skull, brain anatomies and their relationships., (© 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

In most situations in veterinary medicine, glucocorticoids are the drugs of choice used, that is, to reduce the inflammatory response or limit an inappropriate immune response. Their use in long-term therapy may cause side effects that may weaken the patient. The aim of the study was to evaluate possible variations in the plasma potassium concentrations and their clinical relevance in dogs undergoing steroid therapy with methylprednisolone in anti-inflammatory doses. The study used a sample of 21 dogs (n = 21) presented for consultation, with a clinical condition requiring a corticosteroid therapeutic protocol with an anti-inflammatory dose of methylprednisolone. All the individuals were submitted to a corticosteroid therapeutic protocol administered orally during 18 days. During this period, 3 time points were considered: T0 (the day the prescription was first given), T1 (3 days later), and T2 (8 days later). Blood samples were collected from a peripheral vein to measure plasma potassium concentrations in T0, T1, and T2. Corticosteroid therapy on an outpatient basis statistically significantly decreased plasma potassium levels, especially between T1 and T2 (P = .03). The plasma potassium levels decreased in 12.5% of the males, compared with a decrease of 23.1% in the females. No statistically significant relationships were observe between the decreased plasma potassium levels and age, clinical condition, and patient׳s body weight. However, we found a statistically significant association between decreased plasma potassium levels and sex. The study results may justify the need for the systematic prescription of potassium supplements in patients undergoing steroid therapy, similar to what already occurs in human medicine., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The present study was performed in a sample of 33 cats and aimed (1) to characterise the mandible height (Mh), mandibular canal height (MCh) and the distance between the interdental alveolar margin and the mandibular canal (dIAM-MC); and (2) to develop a mathematical model for dimension prediction of MCh using the patient's age, weight (Wg) and canine tooth width at the free gingival margin level (wCGM) that was easily accessible during the oral examination., Methods: Age, sex, breed, weight, skull type and the wCGM were the recorded variables for each patient. Right and left lateral view skull radiographs were made followed by measurements of the mandible anatomical structures, taken between the third premolar distal root and the fourth premolar proximal root. Results were considered statistically significant for P values <0.05, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software., Results: We observed a strong correlation only between wCGM and MCh, and a prediction mathematical model was developed to calculate the MCh, with a standard error of only 0.4 mm., Conclusions and Relevance: Our study allows a surgeon to establish relationships between a physical parameter, such as wCGM, evaluated in an oral examination, and the mandibular canal, which is a very important anatomical structure to consider in surgical procedures. Ideally, surgeons should always plan their mandible work only after obtaining a final diagnosis achieved through the use of complementary imaging exams, such as intra- and extra-oral radiographs. Thus, this mathematical equation offers an additional tool, providing more information on the relationships between oral anatomical structures, reducing the risk of iatrogenic lesions and promoting patient safety., (© ISFM and AAFP 2015.)

Objectives: The aims of the study were to recognise if there is any auditory sensory stimuli processing in cats under general anaesthesia, and to evaluate changes in respiratory rate (RR) and pupillary diameter (PD) in anaesthetised patients exposed to different music genres, while relating this to the depth of anaesthesia., Methods: A sample of 12 cats submitted for elective ovariohysterectomy was exposed to 2 min excerpts of three different music genres (classical [CM], pop [PM] and heavy metal [HM]) at three points during surgery (T1 = coeliotomy; T2 = ligature placement and transection of the ovarian pedicle; T3 = ligature placement and transection of the uterine body). A multiparametric medical monitor was used to measure the RR, and a digital calliper was used for PD measurement. Music was delivered through headphones, which fully covered the patient's ears. P values   <0.05 were considered to be statistically significant.   , Results: Statistically significant differences between stimuli conditions for all surgical points were obtained for RR (T1, P = 0.03; T2, P = 0.00; T3, P = 0.00) and for PD (T1, P = 0.03; T2, P = 0.04; T3, P = 0.00). Most individuals exhibited lower values for RR and PD when exposed to CM, intermediate values to PM and higher values to HM., Conclusions and Relevance: The results suggest that cats under general anaesthesia are likely to perform auditory sensory stimuli processing. The exposure to music induces RR and PD variations modulated by the genre of music and is associated with autonomic nervous system activity. The use of music in the surgical theatre may contribute to allowing a reduced anaesthetic dose, minimising undesirable side effects and thus promoting patient safety., (© ISFM and AAFP 2015.)

Objectives: The aims of the study were to assess the possible effects of sex, age and breed on the evolution of pancreatitis, and to understand if low values of serum ionised calcium ([Ca(2+)i]) can be considered as a prognostic risk factor for determining the clinical course of the disease., Methods: A sample of 24 cats (n = 24) with pancreatitis was used and grouped according to the disease progress into two groups: (i) non-fatal (NF) for those that recovered and (ii) fatal (F) for those that died. Quantification of [Ca(2+)i] and feline pancreatic lipase (fPL) was carried out for each patient at two different times: T1 (day of diagnosis) and T2 (day of recovery or death). For statistical analysis, P values < 0.05 were considered significant., Results: At T1, 58.3% of patients presented with hypocalcaemia, 33.3% with normocalcaemia and 8.3% with hypercalcaemia. The [Ca(2+)i] mean values were higher in the F group than in NF. At T2, 75.0% of patients showed normocalcaemia and 25.0% hypocalcaemia. The mean value of [Ca(2+)i] for F at T2 was 0.88 ± 0.23 mmol/l, whereas for NF it was 1.10 ± 0.11 mmol/l. There was no sex or age predisposition for disease development, but a breed effect was noted (domestic shorthair cats were more prone to developing pancreatitis)., Conclusions and Relevance: The results suggest that hypocalcaemia is common in patients with pancreatitis and that [Ca(2+)i] may be used as a prognostic risk factor for predicting the clinical course of the disease, with values ⩽ 1 mmol/l corresponding to a poor prognosis., (© ISFM and AAFP 2014.)

The study used a sample of 69 formalin-fixed brains from adult dog cadavers (n = 69) and aimed (1) to characterize the longitudinal cerebral fissure (LCF) anatomy in brachy-(B), dolicho-(D) and mesaticephalic-(M) dogs and their potential differences, and (2) to establish cranioencephalic relationships between the LCF and five classical craniometric points(cp): asterion(ast), bregma(b), stephanion(st), glabella(g), and pterion(pt). Anatomical records were collected using a digital caliper, and for statistical analysis P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. The LCF length can be ranked, in ascending order as B < D < M, and if used as a surgical corridor, the M group had the greatest surgical corridor area, and the D group the smallest. LCF morphology was uniform among the three groups exhibiting dilated anterior(AR) and posterior(PR) regions and narrow middle region, where the most marked differences were registered. The LCF AR is the ideal spot to begin brain surgery if the LCF is to be used as a surgical corridor in B and M, while the LCF PR should be considered in D. The five cp selected were quite useful to understand LCF anatomical morphology, its projections over the external skull surface, and to establish cranioencephalic relationships between the LCF and vault; allowing us to consider the vault anterior area in B, and in M, and the vault posterior area in D for craniotomy initial burr-hole placement. As for the distance from the cp projections in the brain surface to the LCF regions, major differences were registered by comparing the B group with the other two, and for both hemispheres., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The purpose of the study is the following: (1) to anatomically characterize the right and the left pseudosylvian fissure (Psf) morphology; (2) to determine Psf variations between both hemispheres and between the three considered groups; and (3) to understand how these variations may influence brain surgery for dogs. Also we sought to determine whether there are any potential differences between brachy- (B), dolicho- (D), and mesaticephalic (M) dogs. The present study considered 138 brain hemispheres (N = 138) from 69 adult dog cadavers and used bregma craniometric point (b- the junction of coronal and sagittal cranial vault sutures) to characterize the Psf location on the superolateral brain surface. For statistical analysis, P values <0.05 were considered significant. The Psf was easily identified in all specimens at both hemispheres. Statistically significant differences for Psf width were registered between the groups, presenting M as the narrowest Psf regions. Fissure body length can be sorted in ascending order as D < M < B in both hemispheres, with the left Psf bigger than the right for all considered skulls. The greatest difference was registered in the B group with the left Psf 25.0% bigger than the right. Bregma has proved to be useful to appoint Psf location as more superior or inferior in the encephalic lateral surface, exhibiting in all groups the left Psf a superior position. For the groups the most inferior location was registered in M and the most superior in D. Understanding the Psf morphology and anatomical variations may provide important information to ensure safer intracranial procedures., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

To analyze the relationships between gender, age, weight, and variations in the levels of serum ionized calcium ([iCa(2+)]) during periodontal disease (PD) evolution. In this study, dogs (n = 50) were divided into 5 groups according to the stage of PD: G0 (no PD), G1 (gingivitis), G2 (initial periodontitis), G3 (moderate periodontitis), and G4 (severe periodontitis). Statistically significant correlations were observed between age, [iCa(2+)] levels, and PD stage. Older dogs had lower [iCa(2+)] levels and more advanced PD stages (high positive correlation), and their body weight decreased as PD developed (negative correlation). Lower [iCa(2+)] values were associated with more severe PD., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The essential oils of leaves and twigs from the Euphorbiaceous Croton draconoides, C. urucurana and Julocroton triqueter were obtained and analyzed by GC and GC-MS. In total, 101 volatile constituents were identified, comprising an average of 90% of the oil, mostly made up of mono- and sesquiterpenes. The monoterpene hydrocarbons varied from 1.2 to 40.2%, the sesquiterpene hydrocarbons from 34.0 to 49.6% and the oxygenated sesquiterpenes from 11.5 to 51.3%. The main compounds found in the oil of C. draconoides were beta-pinene (16.9%), alpha-pinene (16.5%), curzerene (12.8%), germacrene D (9.0%), gamma-elemene (4.7%), and elemol (4.4%). The oil of C. urucurana showed sesquicineole (23.0%), dehydro-sesquicineole (13.8%), beta-caryophyllene (7.9%), beta-bisabolol (5.0%), germacrene D (4.2%) and beta-elemene (4.1%) as the chief compounds. The oil of J. triqueter was dominated by beta-caryophyllene (16.3%), beta-phellandrene (10.2%), spathulenol (5.1%), caryophyllene oxide (5.0%), delta-cadinene (4.3%), (E)-nerolidol (4.3%), and alpha-copaene (4.1%).

Dorsal sagittal venous sinus (DSVS) is an encephalic structure located in the midline of brain dorsal surface, starting behind the frontal venous sinus and following the brain falx in its extension. Knowing DSVS morphology and cranial-cerebral relationships it is very important for surgeon when he is planning the placement of craniotomies, in order to prevent the damage of this structure. The main purpose of this study were to establish craniometric points that can be used as key points of neurosurgical importance providing an anatomic framework to brain access regarding the localization of DSVS, and to characterize the morphology of DSVS in the three groups considered in study according their type of skull (brachycephalic-B, dolychocephalic-D and mesocephalic-M). The study was performed on 138 formalin-fixed cerebral hemispheres of 69 adult dog cadavers (23 of each group) which had been removed from the skulls after the introduction of plastic catheters through properly positioned burr holes placed on the five craniometric points considered: asterion(ast), bregma(br), glabella(g), stephanion(st) and pterion(pt). From the three groups, DSVS length and width were different, his geometry in B assumed a triangular appearance and in D, M a "butterfly" shape. From all craniometric points considered, only bregma (br) can be useful as a landmark to delimitate DSVS morphology in all three groups. Asterion in M, stephanion in B, glabella and pterion in all three groups, can not be used to compose a framework that help to understand skull surface projection of DSVS morphology, since their measurements were not uniform., (Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.)

The leaves and twigs of Piper krukoffii, collected in the Carajás National Forest, north Brazil, yielded essential oils (2.0% and 0.8%), the main constituents of which were myristicin (40.3% and 26.7%), apiole (25.4% and 34.1%) and elemicin (2.8% and 3.0%). The antioxidant activities of the oils, methanol extract and its sub-fractions were evaluated. The DPPH EC50 values varied from the ethyl acetate sub-fraction (73.4 +/- 3.7 microg/mL) to the methanol extract (24.9 +/- 0.8 microg/mL), and the ABTS TEAC values ranged in the same order from 265.7 to 349.2 microMol TE/g. These results indicated a significant antioxidant activity for the plant. The lignans (-)-kusunokin, yatein, (-)-hinokin and cubebin were identified in the methanol extract. The hydro-methanolic sub-fraction showed a high value for total phenol content (106.5 +/- 0.7 mg GAE/g), as well as 1H NMR signals for sugar moieties. Crude extracts and sub-fractions were also able to inhibit beta-carotene bleaching, varying from 22.4 to 47.1%. The oils from the leaves and twigs showed strong larvicidal (21.4 and 3.6 microg/mL) and fungicide (0.5 and 0.1 microg/mL) activities.

The leaves and fine stems of Lippia schomburgkiana recorded an essential yield of 1.8%, the main constituents of which were 1,8-cineole (64.1%) and alpha-terpineol (12.0%). The methanol extract of L. schomburgkiana inhibited the DPPH radical, resulting in an EC50 value of 16.1 +/- 0.7 microg x mL(-1), which is only three times lower than that of trolox (4.7 +/- 0.4 microg x mL(-1)), signifying a high antioxidant activity for the species. The amount of total phenolics (376.7 +/- 35.5 mg GAE/g) and the trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (327.0 +/- 24.8 mg TE/g) of the methanol extract confirmed the significant antioxidative capacity of this plant. The brine shrimp bioassay carried out on the oil (49.6 +/- 0.4 microg x mL(-1)) showed high toxicity, providing important evidence of its biological activity. The sensory evaluation of the leaves of L. schomburgkiana showed a percentage acceptance value very close to commercial oregano, indicating that the plant can be used in spice and condiment products.